Mangalgad - Kangori fort

After last years big monsoon trek of Mahipatgad, Sumargad and Rasalgad, the confidence of our trekking group was at a high. Hence we decided to repeat the big monsoon trek around the same time (mid August) in the same region (southern Sahyadris). I planned the itinerary: Mangalgad, Chandragad and if possible ascent to Arthur Seat at Mahabaleshwar. Though I swear by Harish Kapadia’s book on trekking, I did need more information which was obtained thanks to the wonders of orkut.com!

We set out on Friday to Pune by a late night bus and caught the early morning bus to Khed which passes by the Varandha ghat. Our group of five trekkers (four men, one woman) got down at Dhalkathi, a little ahead of Varandha village for the bus to Pimpalwadi. The base of Mangalgad (or Kangori) fort is Dudhanewadi or Pimpalwadi (almost the same place) and from Dhalkathi, a phata goes to this village. Buses and ricks are available, either ways it is a bumpy ride.

Once at the picturesque valley near Mangalgad, we set out to climb the fort. The path is directly at the opposite side of the road where the bus leaves you. There is also a signboard if you still need directions. The climb was easy but because of our really heavy sacks (sleeping bags and food and clothes) our progress was slow. Still we made it up in a couple of hours or so. The route is easy but a little slippery while descending. The top when we reached was very windy and we were covered in mist. There is a temple dedicated to Kangori devi which is in utter ruins and there was lot of overgrown shrubbery at the top. We decided to descend without exploring further as it started raining heavily. While descending a few of us did slip down the path but no injuries! We tried to traverse the fort to get down at Kamtha village; a marker here is a couple of shepherd’s huts. However in the path is not clear in monsoon and a guide is advisable. Since my cousin sustained a fall we decided to go down back and stay in Pimpalwadi where shelter was available for sure instead of taking a chance.

Shelter in Pimpalwadi was in a great temple overlooking rice fields. The place is dry, has a light and the floor is smooth and clean. What more can one ask! We cooked our delicious meal of soup, noodles, rice and chicken with a papad or two to go with it. We discussed our next day options. I slept to catch up on two nights’ worth of sleep while my cousin decided to go back next day to Pune. After watching the fireflies in the fields, at night, we finally decided to catch the early morning bus to Mahad and head to Umrath for Chandragad. The bus to Mahad comes at 6:15 in the morning. Pimpalwadi is connected by a bus from Thane which leaves at night from the latter and reaches next morning.

-monsoon trekker